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Things To Do In The
Melbourne Area


Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Space Coast, Titusville

The City of Melbourne is located on east central Florida's Space Coast. Melbourne is about an hour's drive south of Kennedy Space Center, and 1-1/2 hours due east of Disney World. The Melbourne area has a mild climate with a summer average of 81.5F, winter average of 62F, and average annual rainfall of 46 inches.



FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOTANCIAL GARDENS

    A one mile paved trail wends its way through over 300 species of palms, fern and other tropical foliage. An 1883 one-room schoolhouse, Brevard's oldest, has been relocated here.
HENEGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS
    On the National Register of Historical Buildings, the newly renovated Henegar Center for the Arts attracts audiences from around the state and around the world. At the heart of the Center is a 493 seat proscenium-style theater designed by a Tony Award-winning Broadway set designer, featuring a main stage curtain from the original Broadway production of The King and I with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems for the highest quality productions.
ACE OF HEARTS RANCH
    Enjoy horseback riding on the Canaveral National Seashore where nature and technology exist side by side, while riding on one of the most pristine beaches in the world with the Kennedy Space Center in the backdrop. Or unwind on a trail ride, forget about traffic and schedules and take in hours of beautiful Florida trails where you can relax, enjoy wild flowers, unforgettable scenery and wildlife while traveling through the many different habitats and terrain's this area has to offer. This is a great ECO-TOUR.
ATLANTIC WHITEWATER SPORTFISHING CHARTER
    Piloted by a captain with over 35 years experience, the WhiteWater II is a fisherman's fishing boat for beginners or pros. Families and children 8 and over are welcome. 1996 42' custom built Morgan Express powered by twin 435 H.P. Caterpillar diesels giving her an honest 27 know cruise which makes her one of the FASTEST charter boats on the entire east coast, giving you more time on the fishing grounds while others are still riding, so blast off for a day of action and excitement and share the unique experience of Big Game Fishing offshore Kennedy Space Center on the Space Coast's number one charter boat, the WhiteWater II! We are located just 45 minutes east of Orlando International Airport at Port Canaveral, the safest inlet on the east coast!
CALEMA WINDSURFING SCHOOL AND PRO SHOP
    In business since 1984, a quality reputation is now coupled with a facility unmatched in the U.S. Our waterfront building has all equipment rigged and ready just steps from the water's edge. Our new retail shop and clubhouse offers hot showers, a meeting room and a hot tub! Located on the Central East Coast of Florida, Calema Windsurfing School and Pro Shop is just minutes away from Cape Canaveral and a 50 minute drive to Disney World. Sailing is on the Banana River, a salt water "sound", with no currents or tides and chest deep water with temperatures ranging from 70 to 85. Whether your needs are instruction or rentals, our philosophy is to offer the best in instruction, equipment and service possible. Check out this site for full info of rates and available services.
INLET MARINA
    Our Marina is located just 1 mile north of the main entrance to Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area located on Florida's historic Space Coast. Here you can jump aboard the Inlet Explorer and tour the Indian River Lagoon and Pelican Island. Whether you are visiting to kayak, canoe, fish, surf, or eco-tour the wonderfully diverse Indian River Lagoon, we have everything to make your trip a success, plus power boats, kayaks, canoes and row boats for rent. Offshore and backwater fishing trips with outstanding local guides can also be arranged through the Marina.
BREVARD ZOO
    Animals from Latin America, Australia and Florida including jaguars, llamas, kangaroos, wallabies, exotic birds and red wolves. Interactive environmental adventures. Opened in 1994, it is the only zoo between Jacksonville and West Palm Beach. It features a jet black jaguar. You can view 600-pound tapirs, giant anteaters and two-toed sloths from a shady tropical boardwalk. Brevard Zoo's "Paws On" -- The Animal Study Zone, provides a unique,one--of--a--kind interactive natural adventure where children and adults learn about animals through play and hands-on exhibits.
BREVARD MUSEUM OF ART AND SCIENCE
    The Brevard Museum of Art and Science features exhibitions by internationally and nationally known artists as well as Florida artists representing a variety of styles, periods, and media. The Children's Science Center features more than 35 hands-on exhibits. The Blakelock Mineral Collection of over 500 geological finds gives an added dimension to the exhibitions at the Science Center. Click on this web site to see a listing of coming exhibitions, and more general info.
BREVARD MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND NATURAL SCIENCE
    Walk back in time and experience Brevard County in its earliest form. See how Native Americans lived and pioneers survived. A remarkable collection including local artifacts; collections of sea, land and air animals; a comprehensive collection of mollusks; and a remarkable reproduction of the Windover Dig which unearthed the remains of a 7000 year old Indian civilization that was found nearby..The Museum is located on 26 acres, 22 of which are devoted to three main nature trails. The nature reserve showcases three ecosystems each representing a separate and unique ecosystem: a Pine Sand Hill, a Fresh Water Marsh, and Hardwood Hammock. These trails represent a microcosm of environmental life in Brevard County. Enjoy solitude in the Butterfly Garden and there is a wonderful hands-on discovery room for children. A variety of classes, seminars, craft programs, and special exhibits are offered all year. A remarkable local resource.
ANDRETTI THRILL PARK
    Fun for the whole family at the Space Coast's newest attraction. Featuring mini-golf, laser tag and video games, complete your day at the eatery.
STERLING CASINO LINES
    One of the most luxurious and largest gaming ships in the world. They offer two cruises daily, 75,000-square feet of public space, 1,000 of the loosest slots, 50 table games, Las Vegas-style entertainment, five bars and much, much more.
SEA PIRATE RIVER CRUISE
    See dolphins up close and birds and manatees in their natural habitat as you cruise the calm waters of the Indian River. Hot lunch served on every cruise. Learn the history of local waters and harbors. Take close-up photographs of the Indian River "Dragon" and learn its history. Relax and enjoy our weather and beautiful views on our upper deck.
JUNGLE ADVENTURES
    Jungle Adventures is one of the oldest, all-natural and native attractions in Florida. Our 20-acre park and wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to "eco-tourism," a unique experience for close encounters with native wildlife. Personalized educational tours of Florida's natural habitats are available for large groups or individuals at Jungle Adventures. Take a jungle cruise through alligators' natural habitat, see wildlife shows featuring the endangered Florida panther, a Native American village and much more.
BBC ASTRONAUT MEMORIAL PLANETARIUM AND OBSERVATORY
    The BCC Planetarium is located on the Cocoa Campus of Brevard Community College, which is on Clearlake Road in Cocoa, Florida .Recognized as one of the "best in the world" among planetariums by the International Planetarium Society. Also featured, three-story-high IWERKS motion pictures and Minolta Infinium star projector. Visit this site for schedules, shows, and current programs.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
    Guests to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will now have the opportunity to come face-to-face with a real astronaut every day of the year. The innovative show consists of question and answer sessions, mission briefings, video footage, space artifacts and personal stories of space travel as told by those who have lived it. Various astronauts from throughout space history are scheduled to appear including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle astronauts. Visitors have the opportunity to see and actually touch a piece of Mars, which fell to the Earth as a meteorite. Guests may also submit their names to fly in space on a future mission! View the Space Shuttle launch pads up-close. New International Space Station Center and the Apollo/Saturn V Center include dramatic multi-media shows, hands-on displays and a 363-foot moon rocket. Climb aboard a Space Shuttle replica, andexperience a dramatic IMAX film. Visit this web site for the many exciting options to view our nation's space exploration history, as well as what's ahead in the future.
MERRITT ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
    (MINWR) is located on the John F. Kennedy Space Center, east of Titusville, Florida. A total of 1,045 plant species has been identified on the Refuge. More than 500 species of wildlife have also been documented including 330 species of birds, 117 fishes, 65 amphibians and reptiles, and 31 mammals. Of these, 16 are currently federally listed as threatened or endangered. There are wildlife drives, hiking trails, manatee observation areas where as many as 42 have been seen at one time, fishing and waterfowl hunting. The refuge is part of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center.Portions are closed during the launch of shuttles. Much more information is on the site regarding animal populations, and things to see and do while at the refuge.
WAVE CRAZE
    Rentals on jetskis, waverunners, jetboats, skiboats, sailboats, pontoon boats, fishing boats.Rent by the 1/2-hour, hourly, 1/2-day, full-day..Parasailing available; see KSC and Cocoa Beach from the air! Tiki huts, freshwater showers, clean towels and wet suits. Lessons available from owner Greg Taylor, European Racing Champion, 1993. Group rates and military discounts available. Open 10 a.m. until sundown everyday.
FUNTASIA FANTASY GOLF
    Two spectacular 18-hole miniature golf courses, uniquely landscaped with a lush lagoon,winding streams and waterfalls. Test your skills in our game room. Thirst quenchers and snacks available in clubhouse.
SEBASTIAN INLET STATE RECREATION AREA
    Three miles of ocean beach are available for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. It is the only designated surfing area in Brevard County; and is the number one surfing destination in Florida, hosting several national surfing tournaments every year. Camping: a stone's throw from Sebastian Inlet and a short stroll to the Atlantic Beach. Small store; gifts; food; docking; canoe, kayak, jet ski, & power boat rentals (no gas); Ranger led boat tours (to Pelican Island). Considered one of the best fishing areas in the state of Florida. It is one of the most popular of all Florida State Parks.
TURKEY CREEK SANCTUARY
    Walk through sand pines, saw palmettos and live oaks that emerge from ancient sand dunes created 120,000 years ago on a 4,000--foot boardwalk. This is a major stopover for spring and fall migratory birds. The Sanctuary also contains an historic Indian site.
MAXWELL C. KING CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
    The King Center's 2000-seat auditorium provides "Big City"entertainment on the Space Coast: Broadway musicals, major theater productions, celebrity performances, children's shows, ballet, symphony orchestras, operas, lecturers, exhibits, and international performers. Local artist exhibits. You can enjoy elegant dining at the King Center's Royal Onyx Room before the show. Call for schedule, ticket information and season passes.

TITUSVILLE FLORIDA, SPACE CITY

Titusville is located on Florida's Atlantic Coast, some 46 miles south of Daytona Beach and 40 miles east of Orlando. It serves as the seat of government for Brevard County. The economy of Titusville and the area surrounding it is based on the aerospace industry, centered at the Kennedy Space Center on nearby Merritt Island; tourism, also associated with the space industry; and agriculture, particularly citrus cultivation and processing. The city is the second largest in the county, with a population of 37,981.

TITUSVILLE PLAYHOUSE INC. AT THE EMMA PARRISH THEATER

    The Playhouse produces 6 major theatrical productions (drama, comedy & musicals) each year. Listings of the productions upcoming, and special events.
VALIANT AIR COMMAND AND WARBIRD MUSEUM
    Located off US 1 or SR 405 adjacent to Kennedy Space Center. Open 7 days a week.10:00am to 6:00pm. The Warbird Airshow, held in March at the Space Center Executive Airport (TICO), is widely regarded as among the best Warbird airshows in the country. Historic military aircraft are available for viewing year-round, ranging from pre-WW1 to modern jet fighters. Many different warbirds are kept at the VAC at various times throughout the year, so you never know what you'll see!! There is also a large memorabilia collection including historical displays and a gift shop. Guided tours are offered, for a small donation.
ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME
    The official home of the American space adventure is at this fascinating attraction where you'll experience the human side of space exploration, as you never imagined you could. You'll explore the world's largest collection of Astronaut artifacts in remarkable displays, exhibits and memorials dedicated to the heroes of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. Then you'll suit up, strap down, and blast off into an interactive experience that will give you a taste of space. You'll ride realistic training simulators, like the 3D-360 fighter jet simulator that puts you in an aerial dogfight complete with barrel rolls. Design and launch your own rocket. Feel what it's like to walk on the moon, and guide the Shuttle to a smooth landing.
CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE
    57,000 acres and 27 miles of beautiful, unspoiled beach plus islands. Swimming, hiking and camping. And many endangered species call this area home. The largest sea turtle nesting area is located at Canaveral National Seashore. Guided tours of the sea turtles nesting area is offered after sunset.
NORTH BREVARD HISTORICAL MUSEUM
    The Historical Society of North Brevard, Inc. was originally formed in September of 1966. The purpose of the organization at that time and to this date has been the "collection, preservation, recording and display of historical artifacts, photographs, written records and aural histories". The Historical Museum displays photographs, furniture, clothing and artifacts that reflect the lifestyle of early Titusville and surrounding areas, including an 1877 Florida Star printing press, and hand prints of the original Mercury astronauts. You are invited to come in and browse through our collections of local history, check through our reference library, and enjoy our photographs. Visit this site for a fascinating look at local history and lore.
SPACE COAST BIRDING AND WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
    The festival features a world-class birding competition for professionals and amateurs; seminars, and field trips with nationally recognized speakers; kayaking; and Kids' Day activities with live animal exhibits and hands-on Arts & Crafts.
ENCHANTED FORREST SANCTUARY
    A beautiful, safe place to enjoy a remarkable diversity of natural trails. Picnic Tables. Open: Wed. & Sat. from 8:30am to 3:00pm; Sun. from 2:00 - 5:00pm. Guides are generally available 1/2 hour after opening to walk with you and discuss how the remarkable diversity of the Enchanted Forest came to be. 393 acre Enchanted Forest Sanctuary encompasses one of the last remaining large tracts of coastal hardwood forest in east central Florida.
GRASSHOPPER AIRBOAT TOURS
    Glide across the grassy marshes of the St. Johns River and Lake Poinsett. Personalized and exciting one-hour rides on an authentic custom built airboat (up to six passengers). Look for alligators, eagles and other wildlife. Group rates available.

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